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Polls Open in Virginia's Primary Election

Virginia voters have begun casting their votes in the state's closely watched primary contests for governor that could be an early referendum on President Donald Trump. (Published Tuesday, June 13, 2017)

Virginia voters have begun casting their votes in the state's closely watched primary contests for governor that could be an early referendum on President Donald Trump.

Polls in Tuesday's primary races are open until 7 p.m.

Primary candidates for lieutenant governor will also be on the ballot, as will candidates for several seats in the Virginia House of Delegates. Some ballots also will include candidates for local office.

Three Republicans vying to be Virginia's next governor -- in a closely watched contest that could provide an early window on President Donald Trump's popularity -- showed their markedly different styles in a debate at Liberty University in April.

If you pick up a Republican ballot:

Republicans will have three choices for the gubernatorial race.

Ed Gillespie — Favored in pre-polling as the likely primary winner. You can learn more about Gillespie here.

Corey Stewart — Currently the at-large chairman of Prince William County. You can learn more about Stewart here.

Frank Wagner — Currently serving as a state senator. You can learn more about Wagner here.

Democrats Running for Va. Governor Meet in News4 Forum

The two Democrats who are running for the nomination to be Virginia's governor talk about the issues that matter to Virginians in a News4 forum. News4 Northern Virginia bureau chief Julie Carey moderated. The forum is part of News4's ongoing coverage of the governor's race; for a look at what all the candidates for governor -- Republican and Democrat -- have said about six key issues in the race, click here.

(Published Sunday, May 28, 2017)

If you pick up a Democratic ballot:

Two Democratic candidates are seeking the governor's office.

Ralph Northam — Currently serving as lieutenant governor, Northam was an early Democratic primary favorite. But early polls indicate the race will be too close to call. You can learn more about Northam here.

Tom Perriello — After gaining particular favor among young voters, Perriello is expected to make a competitive run at Northam. You can learn more about Perriello here.

Who is running for lieutenant governor?

Both parties have a three-way primary for lieutenant governor, a largely ceremonial position that's often a steppingstone to higher office.

If you pick up a Republican ballot:

Three Republican candidates are making a run for lieutenant governor, none of whom are strangers to the state house.

Glenn Davis — Currently serving as a representative in the House of Delegates. You can learn more about Davis here.

Jill Holtzman Vogel — Currently serving as a state senator. You can learn more about Vogel here.

Bryce Reeves — Currently serving as a state senator. You can learn more about Reeves here.

If you pick up a Democratic ballot:

Justin Fairfax — Currently serving as assistant U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia. You can learn more about Fairfax here.

Gene Rossi — Former federal prosecutor. You can learn more about Rossi here.

Susan Platt — Former political consultant. You can learn more about Platt here.

Democrats have seen a surge in candidates for the House of Delegates this year, where they have a long shot at taking back control of the chamber from Republicans in November.

All 100 House seats are up for election this year. On Tuesday, there will be 27 primary races, though candidates in two districts have dropped out since the ballots were printed.

Be sure to check your sample ballot to see whether your voting district includes a House of Delegates primary race.

Are there any other races?

There's no primary for Virginia's other statewide elected office, attorney general. Voters in November will choose between incumbent Mark Herring or Republican John Adams, a partner at the Richmond law firm McGuireWoods.

Voters in some areas will be narrowing the pool of candidates in local contests, including city council and commonwealth's attorney races.

Virginia requires a valid photo ID to cast a vote in state elections. A driver's license, federal ID or a school or employer issued ID is acceptable. If you do not have a photo ID, you can apply for a Virginia Voter Photo ID Card anytime online or at your local voter registration office.